Germany, Frankfurt: Hitachi Energy and Daikin Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding covering the long-term supply of C4-FN, a specialty gas component used in insulating mixtures for SF6-free high-voltage switchgear.
Under the agreement, Daikin Chemical Europe will supply C4-FN produced by Daikin Refrigerants Frankfurt at its facility in Frankfurt, Germany, with new production capacity expected to become available in 2027.
The material will support Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ portfolio of SF6-free high-voltage technologies. Hitachi Energy says C4-FN-based insulating gas mixtures can reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by 99 % compared with conventional SF6-insulated equipment, while maintaining comparable technical performance and compactness.
The agreement forms part of Hitachi Energy’s multi-sourcing strategy for critical materials. The addition of European C4-FN production will complement existing qualified sources in Asia and expand the supply base supporting EconiQ manufacturing.
Hitachi Energy said demand for the portfolio has resulted in more than 4,000 orders across 40 countries.
SF6 remains widely used in high-voltage equipment for insulation and switching. The agreement is intended to support the availability of alternative insulating-gas materials as production of SF6-free equipment expands.
Source: Hitachi Energy
